Vol. 453 No. 5
43 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health, in view of a recent survey which showed that women patients wanted a choice of female or male family planning providers, if the health boards will create General Medical Service positions to alleviate the shortage of women general practitioners in the General Medical Service. [9460/95]
Limerick East): Entry of doctors to the General Medical Service scheme is by open competition organised by the relevant health board. These competitions are open to all candidates who have the requisite qualifications.
Earlier this year I issued guidelines to the health boards on the development of comprehensive family planning services in their areas. I have asked each health board to report on specific measures which will be implemented to comply with these guidelines by 31 May 1995.
In addition one of the priorities for the development of services by health board general practice units in 1995 is the area of women's health. GP units will consider proposals from general practitioners who wish to employ female doctors on a sessional basis for this purpose.
44 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, he has taken to increase the availability of contraceptives in line with his statement at the time of the debate on the Regulation of Information Services outside the State for the Termination of Pregnancies Bill, 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/95]
Limerick East): In March of this year I issued guidelines to the health boards on the development of comprehensive family planning services in their areas.
